The Centrelink Families Line (13 61 50) is the primary phone service for parents and carers who require assistance with Family Tax Benefit (FTB), Child Care Subsidy (CCS), Parental Leave Pay, and other family-related payments. This line is the official point of contact for all family payment enquiries handled by Services Australia.

Centrelink Families Line 13 61 50 — contact number for family payments
Centrelink Families Line 13 61 50 — your direct contact for Family Tax Benefit, CCS and Parental Leave Pay
Quick answer

The Centrelink Families Line number is 13 61 50. Operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm local time. The Centrelink Families Line provides support for Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, Parental Leave Pay, and Parenting Payment. The best times to call are between 8:00 am to 10:00 am or 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for shorter wait times.

What Is the Centrelink Families Line?

The Centrelink Families Line is a dedicated phone service operated by Services Australia specifically for family-related payment enquiries. It connects parents, carers, and guardians with trained service officers who can assist with a wide range of family payments and support programs.

Whether you need help with your Family Tax Benefit claim, want to update your Child Care Subsidy details, or have questions about Parental Leave Pay, the Centrelink Families Line is the most direct way to get personalised support.

Centrelink Families Line support for Family Tax Benefit, CCS and Parental Leave Pay
Your guide to the Centrelink Families Line — support for Australian families

Quick Facts (2026) While Calling

  • Number: 13 61 50
  • Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm local time
  • Closed: Weekends and public holidays
  • Best Times to Call: 8:00 am to 10:00 am or 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (shorter wait times)
  • Overseas Callers: +61 3 6222 3455
  • Online Alternative: myGov and Express Plus Centrelink app

What the Centrelink Families Line Covers?

The Centrelink Families Line is dedicated to all family and parenting payment enquiries managed by Services Australia. This includes:

  • Family Tax Benefit (Part A and Part B)
  • Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Additional CCS
  • Parental Leave Pay and Dad and Partner Pay
  • Parenting Payment (single or partnered)
  • Updates to income, relationship, or child details
  • Debt and balancing enquiries
  • Assistance with linking myGov to Centrelink accounts
Tip: For simple tasks like checking payment dates or updating bank details, use the Phone Self-Service line on 13 62 40 (available 24/7) or the myGov app.

Family Tax Benefit (FTB)

The Centrelink Families Line provides assistance with:

  • Eligibility checks for FTB Part A and Part B
  • Payment rate information
  • Claim initiation and follow-ups
  • Updates to income and child details
  • Understanding supplements and end-of-year balancing

Before calling about FTB, have your Customer Reference Number (CRN), income estimate, and child details ready.

Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

Support for Child Care Subsidy includes:

  • Eligibility confirmation
  • Approved hours guidance
  • Assistance with linking your Centrelink record to your child care provider
  • Reporting changes to work, income, or care arrangements
  • Understanding Additional Child Care Subsidy

Parental Leave Pay and Parenting Payment

The Centrelink Families Line supports:

  • Claims for Parental Leave Pay and Dad and Partner Pay
  • Eligibility guidance for Parenting Payment (single or partnered)
  • Updates to return-to-work dates
  • Help with reviews or appeals of decisions

Contact Details & Hours

Centrelink Families Line

  • Phone: 13 61 50
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm local time
  • Cost: Standard local rates apply. Mobile charges vary depending on your provider.

Calling from Overseas

  • Number: +61 3 6222 3455
  • Standard international call charges apply

Language & Accessibility Support

Services Australia provides support for non-English speakers and people with disabilities:

  • Multilingual Line: 131 202 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm)
  • TIS National: 131 450 (available 24/7 for interpreter services)
  • TTY (hearing or speech support): 1800 810 586
  • National Relay Service: 1800 555 727 (ask for 13 61 50)
  • Free interpreter support is also available at Services Australia service centres

Best Times to Call Centrelink Families Line in 2026

  • Shortest wait times: 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Avoid: Mondays and the day after public holidays (busiest periods)
  • Peak periods: End-of-financial-year and school holiday periods
  • Self-service option: Phone Self-Service line 13 62 40 (available 24/7)

What to Prepare Before Calling

To speed up verification and get your enquiry resolved efficiently, have the following ready:

  • Customer Reference Number (CRN)
  • Date of birth and address (matching Centrelink records)
  • myGov account status (linked or not linked)
  • Income details or estimates
  • Child and child care provider details
  • Claim or reference numbers (if you have them)

Sample Call Script

“Hi, my name is [Your Name]. My Centrelink Families Line enquiry is about [FTB / CCS / Parental Leave Pay]. My CRN is [CRN] and my date of birth is [DD/MM/YYYY]. My myGov account is [linked / not linked]. Could you please confirm the status of my claim and advise on the next steps?”

Step-by-Step: How to Call

  1. Dial 13 61 50
  2. Follow the voice prompts and select the option that matches your enquiry
  3. Enter your CRN when prompted
  4. If required, choose the option to speak to a service officer
  5. Note any reference numbers provided during the call

If You Can’t Get Through

  • Use myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink app to check payments, upload documents, and manage simple tasks
  • Visit a local Services Australia service centre for in-person assistance
  • Interpreter or relay services: Use the numbers listed in the Contact Details section above
  • Community or legal centres can provide help with reviews or appeals
  • Complaints and feedback: Contact 1800 132 468 (Monday to Friday)
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Need immediate help?

Call the Centrelink Families Line now for personalised support with your family payments.

Call 13 61 50 Now

Frequently Asked Questions (2026)

What is the Centrelink Families Line number?

The Centrelink Families Line number is 13 61 50.

What are the operating hours?

The operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm local time. The line is closed on weekends and public holidays.

Is it free to call the Centrelink Families Line?

Calls are charged at standard local rates. Mobile charges may vary depending on your provider.

Can I update income or family details by phone?

Yes, updates can be made by phone once your identity is verified with your CRN and personal details.

Can someone call on my behalf?

Only authorised nominees listed on your Centrelink record may call on your behalf.

How can I check payments without calling?

Payments can be checked using myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink app.

What if I need an interpreter?

Services Australia provides free interpreter services through TIS National on 131 450 (available 24/7).

Disclaimer: AssistInfoAU provides general information about the Centrelink Families Line and other Centrelink services. We are an independent publisher and are not affiliated with Services Australia, Centrelink, or any Australian Government department, and we cannot access or change your personal Centrelink record.

This article was checked against Services Australia publications on July 2026 — always confirm current details at servicesaustralia.gov.au or by calling the Centrelink Families Line on 13 61 50. See our full Disclaimer, Editorial Policy, and Privacy Policy.